Yesterday, I changed the boot handle on my car. In the process, I had to remove the interior trim panel to make the electrical connection. While it was off, I noticed a small (about 1.5" square) silver box with what looks like an antenna connection and an electrical connection. It is mounted to the lower driver's side corner of the boot lid. I didn't have much time to investigate it as a rain storm started, so I thought I'd ask here.

Does anyone know what that box is/does?

 

Does it say "property of u.s. government" on it:smile:

 

It’s the flux capacitor.

 

Maybe the reciever for the keyless entry? If there is a block of C4 explosive attached to it could be a one time use anti-theft system !

Aloha!

JCW04

 

Yeah. Stay this side of 88-MPH

 

No, but the possibility did cross my mind...

I'm afraid that advice is a little late. I blew through the 88mph mark when the odometer hit 1,251!

 

That is the 'trap' which allows the rear defroster grid to also act as an antenna for the radio. It's a little known fact that the MINI uses what's called "diversity tuning", a system that uses two separate radio antennas and continually routes the one with the strongest signal to the radio. The trap electrically isolates radio frequency signals appearing on the defroster grid from the vehicle wiring and sends them to the diversity antenna control box located below the left side rear window under the trim panel. The signal from the radio antenna on the roof (or in the side window for pre-'05 Nav cars) also goes to the controller. The controller determines which particular antenna has the strongest signal and sends that signal to the radio. This is why you can install a very small roof antenna and still get decent reception. In fact, you can remove the antenna completely and still get decent reception of strong signals. The problem is, the defroster grid itself is not the best antenna in the world (it's very directional). Still there will be times where the grid will have a better signal than the roof antenna. It's those times where the radio gets the signal from the grid.

 

Thanks Greatbear!

Hmmm, I haven't listened to on air radio since I bought Sirius; maybe I should delete this box and save the 5oz. of weight... I wonder how that would affect a dyno run.

 

[QUOTE=Greatbear]That is the 'trap' which allows ....... those times where the radio gets the signal from the grid.

I am impressed!

 

I am also impressed.Greatbear is fountain of MINI knowledge.

 

Me too.

At first I couldn't tell if he was handing us a line of bull .

While we're at it... can someone tell me what the small protrusion is from the roof in the back seat with small vents? I can't imagine it's actually connected to any ventilation system.

 

That's where the motion detector for the alarm goes if you have the MINI alarm installed.

 

Gotta be worth an extra 1/2HP!!

 

hmmm, good info, just changed my boot handle but just used long needle nose pliers.

Glad I didn't take the inside off...I would of been scared

 

It's no bull. He speaks the truth. Here's the official description:

The MINI includes an antenna diversity system which uses the heated rear window (FM2/3) in addition to the rod aerial.
The Aerial Diversity Unit has coaxial inputs from the roof aerial and the rear screen aerial amplifier unit. The unit also has the output coaxial to the radio headset and a "radio on" wire. The switching action of the diversity unit is configured to ensure that no noise is heard through the radio (diversity crackle). The unit constantly scans the aerial inputs for the best signal, which is then fed to the radio headset via the coaxial cable. The diversity function is only operational in the FM mode, when AM stations are being received the diversity function is deactivated.

 

Well that explains why my radio reception was normal after having the whole antenna and base ripped off the roof!

 

Leftover from the British early MINIs, Morrise, Healeys, etc. This is a mandatory installed box per direction of the Queen herself, who knighted Sir John Lucas, inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper, better known as the Prince of Darkness. Every car of British origin must have a Lucas smoke container to avoid release of the smoke, which will cause fire to the electrical harness. Beware.

 

Excuse me, but I don't even utter the L-word around my car. One can never be too careful with that!

 

Heck, I wont even give George Lucas a lift in my car!