Hi,
I have a 2005 Cooper S that has about 9000 miles on it. The other day I tried to lock it using the key button and it didn't work. None of the functions on the key work. I can unlock and lock the doors manually with the key. Anyone had this problem? Is the problem the key or something more sinister?

Thanks,
John

 

Well the problem would have to be either with the key, or else with the mechanism on the car that receives & processes the signal...

The key has a battery that gets charged when you use it, it's most likely that the battery is dead -- either temporarily (so maybe driving around with that particular key in the ignition might help?) or else permanently (i.e. call your dealer).

 

Your key might need to be reprogrammed. I would check your other key to see if the problem is just with that key.

 

Has this key been used in a while? The on-board battery can lose power. Do both keys do this? The key in the ignition gets it's battery recharged while driving; might give that a try.

 

Same year, model and miles. No problem with the key... yet.

You might be able to isolate part of the key vs. car problem by trying your spare key. If it works, you'll know that the car is receiving the signal.

Our keys have a rechargable battery. Maybe yours isn't recharging any more.

 

Hi,
thanks for the advice and suggestions. I will try the spare key when I get home from work (well, I am employed - work is another issue). If it isn't the key I will have the dealer check it out when I take it in for installation of bonnet stripe.

Thanks,
John

 

I just checked the spare key and it works fine. So, the key is the problem and driving does not charge the battery. I'll have it replaced when I visit the dealer.

Thanks,
John

 

A little more info please. Have you tried the same key since? Have you tried it when the car is in a different location? I have found that some areas have interference that make the remote balky. Sometimes, when I park near one of the big TV transmission towers that the remote has no range. You have to be right next to the car for it to work on the first click. Check it out. Some areas may have more interference than others.

 

When I got home I tried both keys. The primary key didn't work and the spare key worked fine at the same location.

John

 

Check out the reprogramming instructions in this thread. My key did the same, went to the dealer and I am pretty sure this is all they did.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...highlight=keys

 

Thanks TooTall. I will try reprogamming the keys tomorrow. The spare key does remotely work. Do I still have to reprogram both keys?

John

 

The dealer said you always have to do both keys, because the working one will stop working when they reinitialize the other key. I think the keys probably exchange some identifying code with the "bc" body computer, and this code changes as part of the reinitialization.

 

Thanks again!

John