Need Help! 2011 MINI S won't start
 

Hi folks.

To start, I took my car out on 4/16 to run errands and didn't notice any issues. I get in the car and put the key fob in the ignition slot, and nothing happens. No lights, no sounds, nothing. I tried taking it out and putting it back in multiple times and still nothing. Ended up calling a tow truck to tow my car home. The tow driver did check the car battery and it was showing 12v.

4/17 I go out to where it was dropped off and put the key in. At first, nothing. After a couple times it started and I was able to move it back to my parking space. I did some research and everything pointed to a dead/dying key fob, so I ordered a new one from MINI of Peabody. That came in today, and not only does it not start the car, it won't lock/unlock my doors. When I put it in the ignition slot, I get a light on the dash showing a key with a slash through it.

What could be causing this? I also need to figure out how to get the new fob to unlock/lock the doors.

Thanks!

Hi Yoshimura_1,

That was something I considered too. I called the dealership and they confirmed that it was programmed to my VIN by BMW. Everything I sent in to them (registration/VIN) matched the VIN in the car, and it matched the info provided on the envelope the fob came in. I'm not 100% sure, but it could be the cause...

The original fob that I received when I purchased the car can unlock/lock the doors, but that's it. It won't start or trigger that light to come on.

When you put your original key in the key slot do any of those symbols come up?
If that answer is no your car isn't recognizing the new key at all.

No, nothing comes up. I'm just at a loss as to why the first key doesn't read at all in the slot. Starting to think the problem is there, but I'm leaving that to the local MINI shop to figure out.

Thanks!

There's a strong possibility that the electronics for the keyfob receiver housing on the dash where you put the fob into could be having some sort of problem. Have someone check on the loose or broken wire in the dash. It's not too difficult to pull the receiver house out.

Receiver was pulled today at my shop. Pins and wires are all in great shape. Getting a new key through the shop, then pursuing a refund for the defective key.
Thanks!!

Hi omgmisslizzie.
Did they manage to find the cause? I have the exact same problem where my key fob opens everything but inserting it in the key slot does not trigger the keylock in the slot and does not switch any lights on. Battery power is good, key fob power is good and the car recognizes the key else it would not have locked and unlocked the car.
I suspect either the EWS unit or the slot mechanism that houses the key fob.
Hope you can help.

Hi! I had my EWS unit and slot mechanism checked and both were fine. My key battery was dying and couldn't power the engine. I got a replacement key and have had no issues since.