The answer to your first question is yes, I've searched the forum and google.

I recently bought a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The keyless entry hasn't worked since I bought it. Today I cut the key open, found the broken solder joint on the battery and repaired it. Now I can use a voltage tester and I have a soled 3v on the board. I don't see any other problem, all the other joints look good. I put the key back together and took it out to program the cooper. I tried every variation I could find online but none worked. I then took the key to O'Riley's and used their tester. It barely lit the LED on the tester, but another key worked fine. I did notice it flicker just a little when I pressed the buttons.

How reliable are the testers, and what else could the problem be. What would you say is my next step? As with many others on the forum, the nearest Mini dealer is over 100 miles away, and I'd rather avoid the stealership if possible.

Thanks!

 

Here are the pics of the keyfob. I've already glued it back together, but if you see something I'll gladly cut it apart again.

 

i would drive around for a few hours with it...let the battery charge up...then try again...
you might need to re-pair the key...if you do, you do ALL your keys at the same time if I recall.

 

Cool, thanks Zippy. I think it's fully charged, those batteries are only 3v, and that's what it's currently showing. BUT, who knows how long it's been unplugged so maybe I'll try it again later this week? Unfortunately I only have one key right now, but it makes for easier programming!

 

Wait, the key 'charges' while it's in the car?

 

Yep. The battery is "not replaceable" and charges while in the ignition.

 

That's frickin' sweet! Another 'quirky thing' for the R53.

 

On the 2005+ facelift cars only...the newer of the keystyles...the 3 button keys, the only type the cars were sold with (other than the plastic wallet key)....not with the older style 2002-2004 keys.

 

I keep hearing this, but I spoke to a MINI tech at the dealer while I was getting my P/S recall done, and he said all MINI's, to include my '02, would charge the keyfob. I had been inquiring about the possibility of updating to the newer '05-'06 ignition switch setup to have the recharging key fob, and he stated positively that they all recharge while the key is in the ignition. Needless to say, confused the heck out of me lol.

 

Broken solder joint on the battery...you mean the spot welds? Wouldn't want to take an iron to those...

3V should be at least half charged though which is good. Battery info here: http://industrial.panasonic.com/cdbs...AA4000C392.pdf.

 

my key less entry did not work when i got my mcs either i sourced a replacement battery on ebay don't remember the part # but it wasn't the problem.

come to find out that the po had used windex or some other spray cleaner on the rear view mirror and the cleaner got in to the antene circut board and corroded it. replaced the mirror as i couldn't find the board and that fixed the problem.

 

The tech is wrong. '02-'04 keyfob use a replaceable, non-rechargeable battery and only '05+ have a rechargeable battery. You can see the different description in the Owners Manuals for different years: http://libraryofmotoring.info/reference/manuals/

Your '02 key cannot be updated to the '05-'06 style because not only the key but also the remote locking electronics were updated in 2005, and the two systems are incompatible.

 

I may have to do some research on where that board is. If I replace the mirror, do I have to reprogram the car or take it to the dealer?

 

Sorry, it wasn't on the battery its self, it was where on of the prongs pushed through the board. I used a solder wick to remove the solder, then pushed the pin back though and re-soldered.

 

no dealer trip or reprogram of car just sync key up to system.

there are 2 boards in the mini rear view mirror top on is auto dimming mirror and the bottom one is the keyless board.

 

Cool, I'll look into it! Thanks Sarge

 

no problem mine drove me nuts for a couple months.

glad to help