Don't know how we got this far without someone saying something; Wagnbat you just had your MINI turn one right? Our batteries are only rated for a year this has happened to a few whos batteries went, check to see if its still geen and make sure the ground in the engine bay is still tight; also this happens when the ECU isn't conected tight and the batt has power So MSFIT may be right on target here as well. Hope this helps and the culprit is found before anything else more serious happens.

 

Where is this documented.

Most OEM batteries should last three years. Newer cars tends to draw power all the time and MINI does say it needs to be driven, at least 10000 miles/year or they will not replace the battery free. I have read somewhere you should change the battery every two years but ONE year? That would be IMO ridiculous.

 

Aliens, indeed.

I thought everyone forgot about this picture!

 

My understanding (through talking to owners techs and vendors) is that the battery usually doesn't need to be replaced until after two years but is only "relable" as far as the manufacturer is cincerned so its an out of pockect expense if it goes after such time, I know many in harsher climates find it nessacry to replace after two years, but seeing them go after one is no longer a suprise to me; as far as Im concerned if its got to come out anyway might as well up grade it.

 

YES!!

THAT's why our MINIs do unusual stuff.....

(BTW, doesn't that tree in the background have a weird face on it-?!?)

 

I'll check my battery and ECU connections. I sent off a unichip for RMA a few weeks ago, so there should be no changes there.

Another oddity... Went out for a day in DC, hanging out with another couple and setting up some shoots with their new D-SLR... I got home at 11pm, and my internal dome light was on. I am 10000% sure I never touched it. The car was locked, the under dash lights were off, just the dome light was on. I am also 10000% sure I locked it normally when we left, because I had the other couple stop next to my car, and I unlocked/relocked it.

So I hit lock, nothing happen. Unlock, doors open, rest of the lights come on. Lock, everything goes dark including the dome light. WTF!

Definitely checking my connections when I get home.

 

I'm tellin' ya...the Batwagon is phoning home!

 

I'm assuming the Batmini is still running? AKA battery still has a charge/keys still make things light up. :-} The reason I'm asking is to be sure the pyro charge on the battery didn't go off for some reason accidentally. I think the windows open when that happens so you can get out in an emergency...

 

I've been switching keys about every 3 months, and everything has been working just fine... Now that I think about it, I have been having more and more rough starts in the morning... Maybe it is a battery issue... Once it's running, I have no issues... And other than the 1 window and 1 light incident, I can't think of anything else.

So check connections and battery.