I did a forum search...but I didn't really know what to look for...so I apologize if this is the 500x this has been asked...

I just got my 2012 MCS yesterday. Today, I went out to my car to grab something, and in the dead silence I heard a faint static noise. I discovered it was the Harmon Kardon tweeter. (not sure if it was all speakers, I just happened to notice the two tweaters.) I hit the radio 'on' button, and the radio came on. No key in the ignition. I don't have the comfort access. I closed the door and locked the car. (I don't have the factory alarm either.) The radio/tweeters still do this. I clicked the radio back off with the power button, and I still heard static from the tweeters. I turned the volume button (which is also the on/off) to the left about 8-10 rotations and the speakers eventually cut out and go silent. Then I clicked the radio back on, clicked it back off, and the tweeters made the static noise again. I repeated turning the volume **** to the left 8-10x more, and the tweeters turned off again (dead silence.)


Does anyone have this problem? It is normal? I think its weird the radio is still being powered off the battery with no key in the ignition. Is there a wiring issue? The car hasn't flagged any battery warnings or anything yet.

 

bump? Anyone hear of this? I guess I'm calling the dealer Monday.

 

My '08 (and I think most MINIS) can power up the radio without the key in. As far as the tweeters doing what they're doing... that doesn't sound right. Bringing it to the dealer is the way to go. Best of luck - it's new so they should be able to trouble shoot it.

 

Also, for what it's worth - turning my volume 8-10 turns to the left (with the power ON) shuts down the static completely. Sounds like you have a wiring issue unless the 2012's are somehow different. Still wishing you luck - let us know what they say.

 

You do not need to have the key in the ignition to play the radio....

 

but what about the static from the speakers? Should the speakers always be on, even if the radio (and car too) is shut off?

 

sounds like the dealer has some work to do for you. Let the dealership address it and let us know the diagnosis....good luck

 

There is a distinction between the "radio" and any other source (DC, Sat, Aux, etc) and the sound output. The portion of the system that delivers sound (amplification and speakers) is on from the moment the door is opened/unlocked until 30 seconds or more after the car is turned off/locked. This is because there are a number of other sounds delivered via the speakers - including the door chime.

The quality control on the 2010+ Harmon Kardon amplifier is much worse than the previous HiFi system, which was already very bad. That is almost certainly your problem in this case.

 

So it's up to me to fix it? The car had been sitting for at least 20 minutes when I realized this problem.

 

As Integral Audio said, it is turned on when the door is opened. Or did you mean you were sitting inside the car for 20 minutes?

 

No, Kevin was just pointing out what your problem is, not that it’s yours to fix. Let your dealer listen to it, let them know that you’re aware that you should hear it for only 30 seconds and you’re hearing it longer.

 

Yep, what Walter said! Sorry about that, I was confused by your response until I re-read my post and realized the wording was vague.

This is definitely an issue that the dealer/MINI should be taking care of for you. It might not be easy...in my experience the dealer techs do not have a lot of experience troubleshooting the audio systems. You may find that you have to be firm and persistant to get it fixed.

And as rkw said, unless you had been sitting in the car with it turned off and hadn't touched anything for several minutes, the sound output would still be on.

 

and the 30 seconds Kevin speaks of could also end up beling up to about 30 minutes depending on options like bluetooth. If the system sees a bluetooth connection it will stay active or up to 30 minutes after the car is turned off.

totally agree maybe you can just force them to replace the amp and pray for better one.

 

I haven't noticed the problem since, but I haven't listened for it. I haven't had time to sit in the car for that long. lol. I don't have bluetooth or any of the technology stuff. No homelink or Conneted or anything. I'd never use any of that.

 

I have a similar problem. I cut off the car, the radio turns itself on after about 30 seconds. If I push the off button it comes back on after 30 seconds. If I hold the off button down for 10 seconds. it stays off. crazy huh?

 

If the car you are talking about is the one listed in your signature then that is a first gen car and the audio systems are completely different and why that happens i am not sure but it should not happen on a 2nd gen car.

 

Yep 1st gen