I valet'd my car for the first time last night. Could the guy done anything to make my key buttons Not function anymore? The locking, unlocking, nothing works!?!?! WTF???? I have to actually insert the key to use it :((((

 

We had our monthly dinner last night and the same thing happened to one of our members. His key just quit working. After dinner it started working. We have no idea why and all we could come up with was maybe something loose was inside. Firmly tap the key on something soft and see if that helps.

 

Do the remote functions work with your second key? If both keys don't work, there may be a problem with your car.

Or maybe the battery in the key is out of power. What model year is your MINI? 2004 and earlier models use a watch/hearing aid type of battery. Your owner's manual should describe how to change it. 2005/2006 models recharge the key while it is in the ignition.

 

Mine failed a few weeks ago as well. Brought it to the dealer and was told the key dumped it's programming and needed to be re-initialized... Works fine now...

 

It is a 2006 model, about 5 weeks old.

After reading your posts, I checked the second key and it works! The first key still doesn't. The valet guy messed it up, didn't he?!?! I knew I should never trust other souls to drive my precious one >:[ What could have happened?

 

I wouldn't be so quick to blame the valet... I was in posession of my key when it dumped it's programming. I think the valey having it was just a coincidence. My key was working fine in the morning when I went into work, and was no longer working when I left for home....

 

just one more little quirk that so endears us to our beloved MINIs

 

Maybe the valet removed the chip and hopes to steal your car somehow. I have no idea if this is even possible, but I've certainly heard stranger things. Assuming your dealer isn't too far away, I'd have them check it out. Since your car is brand new, whatever the issue is would likely be covered by warranty.

Or maybe the valet kept it in a glass of water while you had your dinner. Who knows? Hope you get it sorted out easily.

 

hahahah!!! you guys are funny yes, I think he voodoo'd it to not work while he was sitting bored... It is not possible for computerized anything to suddenly fail :D



I'm getting it dealt with this saturday. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

 

When I first got my used 02 MCS in 2004, I came across a MINI tech bulletin (I can't remember where or how) that said if the key is left in the ignition, with the car off, and is pulled out slightly it will drain the battery. Apparently if the key is out by even a small about, less than a mm if I recall correctly, it breaks contact with with one part of the circuit but sets up a constant drain on the key battery (milliamps but that is enough)

The factory authorized solution was to never leave the key partially inserted. All the way in or out, no half measures here! I have never seen this mentioned since.

Anyway maybe the valet left the key in the ignition and the battery got wiped out.

 

I have a dead key as we speak. It's been to the dealer TWICE for reprogramming - once for a new rear view mirror - I've switched it out with the other one in the ignition hoping that would do the trick.....nope..nada... so I will be getting a NEW key on Dec. 8th when Ariel goes in for service...

Donna

 

It the spirit of JC punishing you for using valet parking.

WWJCD

 

Valet my baby? No Way Jose. I'd rather walk a mile than let someone other than a friend i trust drive my baby.