'07 R56 with Comfort Access and I recently noticed that the rear hatch will no longer unlock and open if I just try to open the hatch with the fob in my pocket. I need to hit the hatch open button on the fob to get the hatch to unlock. The biggest pain is when the car is running the lock / unlock toggle will no longer unlock the hatch, it will ONLY unlock by pressing the hatch button on the fob.

I looked through the user fob settings and there doesn't seem to be anything related to the hatch. Is there a way to reset the hatch or is there something I can do to reset it?

I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow to see if they have any suggestions.

Thanks!

 

For mine, I've noticed you have to be very close to the rear hatch in order for it to unlock. Sometimes it takes several attempts before it will recognize the FOB is near the vehicle. I do not know how long the batteries are supposed to last in the FOB but keep in mind with the Comfort Access it is not a rechargeable battery. The battery will need to be replaced periodically.

 

The fob will unlock the doors and why would the internal lock switch not function if the fob battery was running low?

Also, does the fob need to be closer to the car if the batteries are running low in order for the proximity detection to function properly?

 

Yes, a weak battery will decrease the range of the signal therefore the FOB will need to be closer for the proximity sensors to pick it up. In regards to the internal lock switch, it should unlock the rear hatch provided that the door lock is set to unlock all doors. I have not tried it with it set at unlock the drivers door only.

 

I read somewhere the battery recharges when you plug it into the ignition slot. Also to unlock the hatch, you have to depress it for two or three seconds.

 

According to the MINI owners manual, the regular keys recharge in the ignition slot, but comfort access keys have a replaceable battery.

I'm still waiting for my MINI, but my wife has keyless go on her Benz (same concept) and sometimes I have to shake the key around in my pocket before it will work, especially if I have a cell phone in the same pocket. I think there can be potential interference.

However, if the key is working fine on the doors, and is only problematic on the hatch... something may have broken. You may want to check with your SA.

 

I replaced the battery this morning but had no better results.

Proximity will not unlock the hatch.
Door unlock on fob will not unlock the hatch.
Door unlock switch in car will not unloack the hatch.
ONLY Hatch open button will unlock the hatch.
Hatch will still pop open if fob is left in car and hatch is closed.

Checked documentation and looked for fuse specific to hatch functionality but couldn't find anything. Scheduled appointment with dealer but they can't see me until next Thursday.

Any assistance or guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

It sounds like something is faulty in the MINI especially if the unlock toggle inside the MINI does not release the hatch. Unfortunately I can't think of anything else other than what you've already tried. I'd be curious to find out what your dealer says the problem is, I'd lean towards a faulty release mechanism.

 

Called the dealer today and they can't see me until next Thursday.