Having just read the 1001 things I might not know about my mini I'm wondering if there's a reason my passenger door doesn't unlock in response two 2 pushes on the remote button (or the switch on the dashboard). Is it a door lock motor that needs replacing or is there someting else I didn;t know about my Mini?

Also, any suggestions on how to stop the glove box opening when I unavoidably hit a bump in the road. I've tried adjusting the lock mechanism and putting velcro on the inside but nothing seems to work. The only solution seems to be a large piece of duct tape across the outside!!!

 

i have the same issue. help would be great, i can figure it out.

 

same thing here I know mine is a faulty door lock actuator was quoted about $300 - 400 to replace at MINI dealership

 

its so werid because it will lock, not unlock.

 

bump. Same here, but my drivers side lock. Anyone found a solution? I can hear the door lock actuator working....or trying to work.

 

I have been having a slightly different problem in that my door handles do not open the door when water freezes in the cables. I am planning on lubricating the cables with oil.

I went to a motorcycle shop and picked up a small jig to lube the inside of the cable.

 

If you cannot unlock w/ the inside unlock switch, or the key, the problem is the lock actuator part #51200556768 (left) or 5120056769 (right). These tend to burn out now and then and can be replaced fairly easy. I did min in about 1/2 hour. It can be a little tricky to get out of the door (not much working room). I bought mine from Classic Mini (vendor here at NAM) for under $90.00.

If the door will unlock, but the pull handle (inside) will not open the door, then you may need the Bowden cable (part # 51217143538), or it could have just come unconnected from the lock actuator, and needs to be re-installed. (there is a little door on the loct actuator that is supposed to keep the cable in place, but it doesn't always work correctly)

For parts list and diagrams go to www.realoem.com Type in the last 7 digits of your vin# and browse for parts.

Nik

 

I had this exact problem on my 2002 MCS it turned out the be the door lock module, in my case it was the drivers side (passenger side is independent) it would lock with the remote but wouldn't unlock, had to use the key, but the dealer only replaces the whole module. Apparently fairly common on the older models and expensive I seem to recall fortunately it ws covered on my MINI NEXT extended warranty. Sorry I don't have better news.

 

I just got back from the dealer after having this exact issue repaired on my passenger door. No parts needed, they just put the cable back in the bracket and charged me $125.00!!!! Oh, and the (apparently psychic) mechanic told me I should have them do the driver's side as well, since it's "gonna go out real soon." Said it would only take another HOUR - and another $120.00!

 

I want to thank Nik for the help. Finding the right thread relating to a question can make a world of difference. The website is excellent; infinitely more helpful than the $89 Bentley service/repair manual I just bought for my MCS.

 

Welcome

Nik

 

Thanks again. I can't help reacting to the photo of your baby, who has 170k miles! Incredible. More than my beloved 1994 volvo 850 had when I donated her. I gather the supercharger has held up well..?? I intend to keep my '04 (only 23,000 mi) for a while and intend to do recommended service as dictated by the 'idiot light' on the dash telling me when to 'inspect'. I do not see any publication regarding a specific milage interval for oil/filter change. Any recommendations or comments? EK

 

Thanks for the comments. Here are some past posts w/ mods, and oil change interval observations. 150,000 mile report. Oil change interval.

The oil change debate has been going on forever, and will continue to do so. I figured I would use the OBC to determine mine. I have had a couple of early ones, due to other maintenance issues.

Since 150k report I've had to replace the inner axel boot $40, valve cover gasket (my fault), oil pan gasket $20 (been slowly leaking for some time, and just had time to do it.). And do a few other mods......... cant stop doing them.

Nik

 

i had some weird problems with my 2003 mini doorlocks. the key arm inside the door wasnt connected to the actuator assembly.

this somehow caused everything to fail electronically. I reassembled it, and everything works. weird.

I just took off my door panels, and reinstalled them, and now my passenger door lock is freaking out.

Symptoms:

- when i lock the car, it jumps up and down, and wont lock. the drivers door locks, and the trunk locks.

- even though the door lock nipple thingy is up and looks unlocked, the passenger door handle wont open the car from the outside. The inside door handle opens it.

thoughts?