As most or all of you know, the brake lights on the MINI do not light up if the key is not in the ignition and turned on. So, riddle me this - I drive home from work, back into the garage, turn off the car, remove the key, get out and see my brake lights are still on. I scratch my head, look at the key in my hand to confirm I am not going nuts (debatable) and look back at the brake lights - yup, they are still on. I get in the car and pump the brake pedal a few times, no change. I turn the lights on (of course, they don't come on if the key is not in the ignition), no change. I put the key in the ignition, turn it toward the on position and they go out. I will tell you that it was raining cats, dogs and small horses on the way home, but still.

So, anyone else have this happen to them?

 

Brake light switch malfunction, was supposed to be fixed by 05. may want to disconnect the battery and use the seat pull so that the batt. won't be dead.

 

Exactly. My friend's '05 had the same problem. He disconnected the batt. over night, and it fixed the problem for the time being.

 

I have a bad wheel sensor (as determined in my "Dashboard looks like a Christmas tree" thread) - so I am already scheduled to see the dealer tomorrow, so I guess it's a good thing it happened today and not next week.

 

Yes, timing is very good, theses things seem to come in bunches

Just a little more character from the Mini

 

They sure do! In fact the day before my dealer was to pick up my 03 MCS for the Christmas Tree Effect (wheel sensor), my fuel gauge sending unit went. And the driver's door window motor. 9th trip, 16k miles.

It's why I am starting again with a new warranty 06 MCS.

My 1966 MCS had Lucas electrics, but it was dream compared to this.

regards,
Red

 

Well, the dealer said it was no problem - either turning the lights on and off or turning the key on will fix it. We'll see if it happens again - I'll be paying attention now.

 

Happened to my wife's '05 MCS the other day. Luckily she left it parked on our drive and not in the garage so we could see all three brake lights illuminated. She hit the key fob to open the doors and disarm the alarm and all was well.....not had a recurrence since; fingers crossed !!