My manual says that an unlocked MINI should allow the rear hatch to b e opened by depressing the button underneath the handle for a second or two. Mine does not. Is there a trick to that or perhaps it is defective? Thanks!

 

If it's a second generation Mini, have you got the setting in the menu that makes it unlock everything from the key fob? The alternative is that the key fob unlocks only the driver's door.

 

My switch went out and needed to be replaced. However, the button on the key fob has always unlatched the hatch.

 

On the 2nd gen, the button is (only) on the right side, so you have to be sure to depress there.

 

Hey thanks everyone. Mine is 2009 so i think 2nd gen. I'll read the manual and see if it tells me how to set the key fob to unlock all doors. Right now it only unlocks the driver's door unless I click again, and then click the hatch button too.

 

On my 2005 R53, you first have to unlock via the inside "Lock" toggle switch, then the hatch will open, (or you can use the FOB),

 

I had to have the switch replaced on my 2011. It was quite noticeable when the button mechanism under the rubber cover had become misplaced -- it felt like you weren't pressing anything under the rubber. I tried taking it apart, but could only get the assembly off of the hatch that includes the license plate light. I couldn't figure out how to get inside the housing without damaging it. I put it back together and made a service appointment. They fixed it for free under warranty.

 

Thx, area49, tried that first. I swear the danged thing opened by hand once. Time to go root out the owner's man'l. But I suspect it's a faulty button.