I've got a silly issue going on with my mini. The dashboard lights won't turn off when the car is off and it is killing my battery. None of the idiot lights are on and the dome light is turning off. Does anyone have any ideas of what might cause this? I've done a search like I've done with all my mini issues but I've had no luck. I love my 2003 CooperS.

 

Is it the original battery? ECUs start doing funny things when they are getting low voltage. I'd start with checking the charge.

 

bummer.

Matt

 

Eric, yes this is the original battery. I've done some research and found that the battery may need to be replaced. Funny thing is the car starts right up and seems strong. So far I removed the fuse to stop it from killing the battery. I understand the Sears Die Hard International #33347 will work for an 03 Cooper.

Thanks for the advise.

 

Well I changed out the battery and no luck, I still have the problem.

 

Uh oh. Then it could be the BCM as Matt suggested. So no fuse means the dash is unreadable at night?

 

Actually, dash lighting is controlled by a module inside the speedometer, not the BCM. Which specific components are staying lit?

 

The numbers around the speedometer and odometer are staying lit. I've heard about the a new speedo fixing the issue but wanted to start with the easy/local fixes.

 

any update? I'm having a similar problem...