Help! I have a 2012 CM & I’m having issues getting it started. The key fob unlocks doors but can’t get it to start car. Battery is good on both car & fob. The quick & dirty...
Two mishaps happened on the same day... I stuck the key in the ignition slot upside down & it took me a minute to get it out. I also jammed a Bluetooth adapter in the auxiliary port & now the speakers seem to have a short because the sound goes in & out. I have had trouble getting it started since then. I am thinking that it is the key slot because it feels a bit loose & was able to get it started a couple of times by wiggling the key a certain way. Unfortunately, that is not doing the trick anymore. I cannot afford to take it to the shop. The last time I took it in for service, it ended costing me nearly $3500! I am hoping I can order the part & do the repairs myself, assuming it isn’t overly complicated.
Is it the slot or the electrical? Please HELP!

 

Do you have comfort access door and ignition?
(If you have a button on your door handle, you do).

 

I had something similar, I didn’t put it in upside down first, but one day the doors unlocked fine but the car didn’t seem to recognize the key fob. It was the immobilizer chip for whatever). $300 for a new fob 24hrs to get it, and I was back on the road.
As far as the speakers, I don’t know. Why were you using the adapter, does it not have BT? I thought they all did by 2012. But I’m not that smart!!
Take the key fob to the dealer and have them try to scan it at the service desk. The reader would not register there either. That’s how we knew that it was the fob and not the ignition switch or dock.
good luck

 

Sounds like the $300 key fob is the issue. Welcome to MINI ownership....