this started happening a few months ago, out of no where. before i even touched ANY wiring in the car.

when i unlock the car, the lights outside (back, front, side markers) all blink. that works.

when i lock it, they dont blink anymore. no big deal really, but im just curious as to why. could it be a fuse?

also, this could be tied in with it as well. my friend the other day said my lisc plate lights are out. i doubt BOTH bulbs burnt at the same time, and i dont know when that occured, as a friend driving behind me the other day let me know of this.

could both of these problems be a fuse causing this? i havent changed the tag light bulbs yet, i figured id chcek on here to see if anyone knows, before changing the bulbs out.

thanks in advance.

 

I don’t think there is a link between the plate lights and the no blinking issue.

Start by changing the plate bulbs.

Usually when the lights are not blinking it’s because a door is not close correctly. Maybe the problem is with one of the latch.

 

Fix the things you can, first. (license bulbs) They may be ok, but the best way to track down electrical gremlins is to eliminate as many things as possible. That will help narrow down the areas you have to look at.
Doubt if the burnt out bulbs are causing the problem, but with the complicated Body Control module, you never know...

 

Honestly I really doubt it is a fuse. To me it sounds like something is loose/possibly grounding somewhere, but I don't have much experience with the MINI electricals, I'm just going off of general electrical troubleshooting experience here. I would definately change those bulbs though b/c not only could you get a ticket, but if you put 2 news ones in and they blow the minute you turn your lights on, it would be a good indicator of what could be going on if they are related.

 

this could be the problem. my hatch lock mechanism broke. ive been releasing it by the emergency release. this happened right around when i smashed the lock mechanism LOL.

 

After 24 years of military service troubleshooting aircraft weapons electrical systems I used these basic steps:

1. Check the obvious regardless how silly it may seem so it can be positively ruled out (fuses, bulbs). This step alone has saved me a lot of aggrevation in the past.

2. Obtain a known good test set (in our case an OBD II code reader) and collect fault codes (if any). If it is a computer issue it should show up; continue on in either case.

3. Check that power is available to the system. In your case the power seems to be available for the "lock" circuit, but "unlock" function is absent.

4. Check all grounds applicable to that system and those systems that control it. This is where a good schematic comes in handy; get a Bentley Manual.

5. Check all switches/mechanical devices for the system.

6. Check for continuity of system wires. This should narrow the problem down to a specific wire that is either shorting out or broken, or to a defective wiring harness connector.

I hope this gives a little idea of what you should do. How trouble shooting is accomplished varies from technician to technician, but this method works for best for me.

Good luck!

 

It sounds like your car might be a little low on glue...

Might I suggest some of this:

 

The smashed lock mechanism is likely your culprit, but to be sure use the trouble shooting technique I listed previously. The lock mechanism would fall into item # 4.

 

If all else fails, refer to XBOOK's suggestion.

 

you put two number 2's in your post Lawmann haha

xbook, could that stuff hold my lock mechanism together??

 

You might be running low on liquid smoke - a critical component of all British car electrical systems...

 

I say just JB weld the hatch closed. That should take care of it.

 

Hey, I'm a product of public education.

I wouldn't try to JB Weld the lock mechanism, just buy a new one that way you know it isn't done half a$$ed. JB Weld has been known to fail.

 

classic british car repair kit...

 

lol im going to replace it i just havent yet.

 

If you check in the settings on the little screen on the TACH thinggy I think you can select if it flashes lights on locking or unlocking separately. Don't know why that would have changed, but look there. I also don't know if that applies to Gen1 models either.

 

Could be a BCM i(body control module) issue too, I had license plate light problems and that's what caused it. My solution was just to not worry about it.

 

The same electical components that which make your lights flash when locking, are the same components that are utilized when unlocking.....

I believe it sounds more like the settings some how went into default mode, if that's the case, MINI can set them for you if you really want the flash mode for unlock.

Presently, my MINI does not flash when unlocking either. Keeps potential muggers and car jackers wondering where I'm headed, and additionally from someone stealing your keys and wondering the mall parking lot looking for your ride.......

 

I wouldn't blow off the license plate light issue, it could cost you a ticket and some money. As a former Deputy Sheriff, that was my number one probable cause for stopping a vehicle.

My advice is to fix it.

 

Yeah, but I was quoted a price of around $700 by my dealer to replace it, that would be quite a few tickets, and I'm not paying the stealership that much. If anything I will rewire it myself to the tail lights. I also only drive my MINI on the weekends now, bought another car last year, so it hardly sees any night driving, so you can see why I blew it off.

 

Wow that is expensive. In those situations I usually get creative. Keep in mind, tickets also cost you points as well, not just bucks.

Good luck, I hope you find a solution.