Greetings Mini fans, this is my first post, hope you can help me debug my keyless entry.

I bought a used 2006 Mini Cooper, it only came with one key. The keyless entry has always been sporadic. Sometimes it works perfectly, other times the key buttons don't work at all. After reviewing the forums, I learned that this key has a rechargeable battery, and the battery is hard to replace. Since it's my only key, I didn't want to take the key apart, so I've just been living with it.

I finally got around to buying a second key at the dealer. I managed to program this key, and it has the same sporadic problem! So clearly the problem is with the car, and not the keys.

My question is: does anybody have any experience with fixing this? My first thing to try would be to pull/reseat the fuse, but this car has like 50 fuses! Which one is it?

Also from reviewing the online parts catalog at Mini of South Atlanta (parts.miniofsouthatlantal.com), it appears that the 315 MHz radio hardware is located in the rearview mirror and also in a "control unit" (location unknown). Any suggestions on what to try first?

Regards,

--Andy
Rye Brook, NY

 

You would need to find someone else with the same model year MINI and switch out the rear view mirrors and see if it works perfectly for you. I believe a new mirror is only about $200 or so if you only have the basic manual mirror.

 

This sounds crazy and i promise i not trolling you but try touching the key to your chin while you press the unlock/lock button. I have no real explanation for it but it works for mine when the key doesn't seem to be working.