So, i got home from work tonight, got out of Azuul and hit the button to lock the car. Huh, it did not lock. So, I tried again; again no lock. I tried the back up key and yes it did lock.

So, I guess my key battery died. Any one ever have this happen? Do I just need to go to my local MINI dealer and get a new key battery?

Thanks --

 

The key's battery normally charges via the ignition but over time the battery can wear out. You could go to your dealer or a local jewelry shop or Radioshack.

 

I belive that's only true for late model keys, I believe the originals had a replaceable battery.

 

MINI keys (at least the '03s) take the very same battery that the Sega Saturn game console uses for data backup. Pop the little cover off the back & there it is. Of course, you wouldn't sacrifice your Panzer Dragoon Zwei high score table just to use comfort opening, would you?

 

Yeah but then what if you want to play Sega?

 

So,this should be covered by the 36k maintenance agreement, right?

 

well, if its a replacable battery it might be considered a consumable item and therefore not covered - depends how nice your service dept is I guess.

 

Yeah, hammer them about a $4.00 battery.

 

And if that doesn't work I would immediately call MINIUSA!!!!

 

The battery in the pre-05 keys is a standard CR2032 battery. Any drug store will have them, not to mention Radio Shack (as long as you give them all your personal info ).

 

Well, its not the battery. I tried the other key this morning and it, too, did not remotely lock or unlock the door. I also noticed that when I hit 12 mph, the driver's side door did not lock. So, I dropped the car off at the MINI dealer this morning. The SA says it might be the "actuator". I'm not sure what that is, but I guess I will find out later today.

However, if they need to replace a part, I will venture a guess, based on past history, that they will not have the part and they will need to order it. In my experience, MINI San Antonio carries virtually no inventory.

 

This may be stupid, but could it just be a fuse?

 

Just an FYI - one of my keys died recently on my 05' Cabrio. We went to the dealer with BOTH keys. They tried NUMEROUS times to reset it - no luck. One would work, then the other died and vice versa.

It was finally determined that a new rear view mirror was needed. Why? I had no idea that the mechanism to program the keys was in the mirror. I haven't had a chance to get back to the dealer yet to get the replacement mirror so I can't tell you for sure that the problem is solved. Just passing this little tid bit along though....:smile:

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
05' HB/W MCS "Gizmo"

 

FYI, the 05 key is similar to BMW key.. It use rechargable battery, it will recharge when it is in the ignition. So there is no way you can open up the key to replace the battery. If the charge is gone in one key, just unlock the car with the key and put it into the ignition and then charge it by driving it.

 

Right, mine is an '03.

 

The owner's manual suggests rotating ignition keys every so often (6 months, I believe). I've set up my Automotive Wolf software to alert me every 3 months to rotate the keys to keep their internal batteries tended to.

 

hmmmmm.....

DONT rotate the tires.....

rotate the keys..


odd

 

OK. I've got an '05 Cooper S with the rechargable key. Yesterday, I went go-karting. After two sessions of karting, I head back to my car and the remote won't unlock the car. Dang! The key must have been pinched in my pocket and drained the battery. Not to worry, I say to myself, the battery will recharge during my hour long drive home. No such luck. I got home and still no remote. Has anybody else experienced this?

Bt the way, go-karting was a hoot! Next time, the MINI key stays on the sidelines.

Found this thread with instructions for re-initiallizing keys - it worked.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-r53-how.html

 

Battery in my 04 MCS is NOT rechargeable. Replacement is very simple