From what i understand the ignition on an 07 mini charges the key fob so that you can use your power trunk release and unlock/lock features. when i bought the car my spare key didnt unlock or lock my doors so i figured it either needed a battery or to be charged. it doesnt look like i can open up the FOB in order to put a new battery in it so i called mini. they lady at the parts dept. at my nearest mini dealership said to push and hold it the key in the "charge station" (as she said) aka ignition for 30 seconds and it should be fine. If not then it might need to be programed to my car. My spare DOES start my car though so i didnt think it would be a programing issure. Any thoughts????

thanks

 

cshues80, i have an 08 and each fob has to be programmed to your settings and i switch out fobs once in a while to keep charged. it is a PITA to have to go thru each setting for each fob for sure!

 

does it need to be done at a dealership?

 

Do you have Comfort Access? If you do your car will not charge in the dock. You must open it up and replace the battery.

 

cschues80, there is a lot to the system. if you can provide a few more details on the option of the car it will definitely help us help you.

1. do you have comfort access, I.E. a small black button on the door handle

2. month of manufacture - on drives door pillar sticker

The RFID system in the fob for the ignition is totally independent of the buttons. The RFID system does NOT require a battery to work. Where as the buttons transmit a signal and do require a battery to work. So starting the car with the fob and having the button not work are two different things.

As for the fob buttons not working there are two possibility. one the fob is dead or it needs to be reprogrammed.

The dealer will need to take the fob and the car together and hook it up to there computers and reprogram the fob to recognize your car. This is a security issue so that not anyone can walk up to your car with a fob and open it. If they can not reprogram the fob then it will have to be replaced. but the only way to know is to have the dealer try to program it to the car.

 

No I do not have comfort access and it was made in Sept of 07..so technically isn't it an 08?? And has anyone got their key reprogrammed? How much did you pay?

 

nevermind 10th VIN digit is a 7

 

cschues80, I programmed myself using the user menu in the car access by pushing the button on the turn signal. The owners manual gives you the details on how to do this. You will have to do each FOB, so remember what settings you did for the first fob, so you can duplicate on the send one.

 

Thanks alremc! Much appreciated. Ill deff try that

 

HELP!!! my keyfob works, but the proximity part doesn't? I have comfort access and it has stopped working...must insert key into port to start car now and can't open with my little comfort button the door handle? as you've said..not a battery issue...so it is the proximity sensor in the vehicle?