So my keyfob barely unlocks the doors all of a sudden. As of a few days ago, unless the keyfob is right up against the window, the doors won't lock or unlock. First thought? Battery is dying. But this keyfob is just one year old and I even have the same problem with my spare keyfob, which has barely been used. So I'm thinking it has to be something related to the receiver?? I dunno. Anyone have any ideas so maybe I can fix it without wasting half a day taking it to the dealer?

 

The fobs recharge when they are plugged into the car. You should switch keys every once in a while so they hold their charge.

The problem youre having sounds like its on the receiving end though. I believe the receiver is on the mirror, so maybe try seeing if everything is connected properly.

 

Unless you have comfort access, they have a user replaceable battery that gets about 2-3 years of usable life.

 

does sticking it under ur chin boost the range?

 

Normally the receivers antenna are in the drivers side A pillar. They are in most cars anyways. I still would say it is the battery possibly. Try charging the one that is barely used and see if it still persists.

 

I really would like to hear more about this suggestion. I am just curious.

 

"does sticking it under ur chin boost the range?"

On my 2006, it boosts the range from about 20 to about 100 feet, maybe a little more. Looks silly, and nobody has come up with an explanation that makes much sense to me, but hey -- if it works, it works.

 

unless the fob gets wet then the battery life can be shortend dramatically, like mine was, only lasted about three days after it got wet. Changed the battery and it works great now.

 

I have a similar issue....not as bad but I have to be fairly close to the car. I am comparing the great range of most other cars I have owned/ driven with the poor performance of my 9 month MINI.

 

I think you have that backwards.

Page 18 of my owners manual says "Each remote control contains a rechargeable battery that is recharged when it is in the ignition lock while the car is being driven. You should therefore use each remote control at least twice a year to maintain the charge status. In vehicles equipped with convenient access, the remote control contains a replaceable battery, page 27."

 

Perhaps it gives the transmitter a better ground plane, do you have a lot of gold in your jaw?

Mine has a range much closer to 100' than 20', just from my hand at my side.

 

Ever since my 2009 MCSa was new, the remote open feature has worked only if the fobs were within 2-3 car lengths of the car.

 

i think that's what he was saying.

 

hardingsan

Did a bit of searching and this is the best I could come up with as to why it works. It sounds logical and fits with the perceived results. Is it true, who knows.

 

I'm not sure about MINI but Honda's remote signals are picked up thru the radio antenna - and holding the key fob up to your chin just aims it better at the antenna. So no need to hold it under your chin just aim at your antenna. As I said that was on my Honda - not sure where the MINI reciever is.

 

Ohh, yep, i did it wrong. My bad.

 

Which makes sense since you have to put the thing in the slot without comfort access and nobody bother if they have comfort access.

 

I had this issue with the M6 which has comfort access. It actually completely sucked because I was not able to lock the car when i went into the store. But I ended up not driving it due to the stupidity of not having the car locked. Even if you have comfort access, it's a very good idea to place the key in the ignition every once in awhile. Yes the ignition charges the battery in the key, you do not need to get a new battery for at least 2 years.

Don't do what I did, make sure you charge it before it goes completely dead

 

Actually, the receiver is inside the rear view mirror housing.

If you ever have to take it off you'll see some leads coming from the headliner area and a connector tucked inside the mirror. I found this out when I took it off for a trackday (cause it was in the way of the camera) and found out I couldn't lock the doors until it was hooked up again.

 

ur body boosts the signal... like rabbit ears on an old TV

the same trick works if u press it into ur hip (so u don't like like a fool in the parking lot hehe)

worked on my M5 as well...

i've suprised many ppl by it.. they thought it was a trick.. till i let them do it too

pointing the key at the car or whatever makes no diff

as soon as it touches ur chin.. BAM opens up

 

I saw an old episode of Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson did a similar trick.

He walked a distance away from a car, until the remote would no longer open the locks. Then he put the remote to his head - and it worked!

I thought it was probably due to his giant inflated head acting as an antenna.


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