Just got an 05 MCS and had a quick question. I've tested it over and over, the radio will turn on but no sound and as soon as I press the brake pedal the sound starts!? This happens every time. You can turn the radio on for 5 min+, no sound, tap the brake and the sound starts immediately. I did not notice at first cause normally pressing the brake is the first thing you do.
Is this normal? I cant find anything else about it anywhere.
Thanks

 

It is not normal. Is it an aftermarket radio?

 

Stock H/K radio.
I've read about problems with the H/K amp where the radio would power up with no sound, but this is different, I can make the sound start anytime just by pressing the brake.

 

Thanks for the reply BTW

 

Never heard of that problem.
Are there any aftermarket electronic items added on the car, such as Nav or Radar Detector?

 

Sounds very strange. It pretty much has to be a wiring issue. I would inspect the audio components to see if there is any evidence of someone messing around with the wiring and creating the problem. You could also call your local MINI dealership and ask the service adviser if there are any bulletins on the problem. If the above does not work then you might be chasing the electrical diagram in the Bentley manual to see if there is a logical place to check for such a problem.

 

There are no additional electronics, however the car is fairly new to me so maybe I'll pull the radio out and do some digging around to see if anything looks tampered with. Then I guess I'll go from there. Its not really a big problem, just wondered if someone had already went thru it before.
I am quickly learning that these are some quriky little cars when it comes to the electronics tho.

 

I had some wierd electrical problems earlier this year due to a deteriorating battery. The indicator on the original battery was black.

Turning the lights on would open the hatch. The Mini is so dependent on series of electrical modules that changes in voltage and amperage will do wierd stuff.

I replaced the battery and have had no problems since. Good luck.

BTW mine is also an 05 MCS and had the original battery then.

 

Fixed it!! The body control module had a tiny bit of corrosion between a couple of the pins. I cleaned it out with some alcohol and a toothpick and very carefully with a needle to reach the tiny places. I dried it with a hair dryer, put it back together and everything worked great. Volume tured up and down, turn signals worked right (the signals wouldnt turn off after the stalk was returned to center), seat belt light went off (before it wouldnt even when I was buckled up)...
So if anyone is having strange electrical gremlins, check your BCM!! A tiny moisture will cause alot of problems!

 

Good Job. Glad you resolved the problem. Thanks for sharing the fix.

 

Aha. You had not mentioned the other problems in conjunction with the radio problem. I went through something similar with my car and a bunch of weird problems after I had washed the engine bay. If I had known about the other issues I would have suggested the BCM....