I did a couple of searches to see if anyone else has had this problem with their comfort access option, and couldn't find any similar issues.

I tried to open the door on my 07 MCS by just pressing the black button on the handle, but unfortunately I could not unlock the door. I did have my key fob in my pocket. I was forced to use the "valet key" to gain access. Once inside the car, I tried to start it after depressing the clutch, and a red key appeared on the screen. I then inserted the fob into the slot on the dash, and pressed the start button, and the car started. I thought no problem just need a new battery. I replaced the battery at Radio Shack, and still couldn't use the comfort access feature. Drove back home and tried to use the second key fob that came with the car, and that didn't work either. I drove to the dealer, and he tried a few times to utilize the comfort access. He told me he's "never seen this problem before". I was told it's a complex mechanism, and I need to make an appointment for them to do a full diagnostic check up. The dealer was very nice, he even offered a "loaner" when I return.

I'm just thinking I'm probably not the only one who has experienced this problem. If you have any thoughts on this issue, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks
Steve

 

In the almost two years I have been a member here I do not remember anyone having this specific issue.

Issues have been reported of slow operation, dead batteries etc but not working at all has not come up as far as I can remember.

Low or dead batteries can make the system think there is no fob near by and as for the slow response that is usually due to the poling sequence and timing of the CA system.

I have a couple of questions for you.

Does the car lock/unlock if you use the buttons on the fob?

If yes then does it work from a distance of 25-30 feet or do you have to be closer, and how close?

Have you checked the fuse for the CA system? Don't remember off the top of my head which one it is.

Can you start the car without the fob in the slot?

 

While I do not have my Mini yet, my Mazdaspeed6 has this comfort access feature. I experienced something similar to what you described. The end result was a shorted out receiver within the car. It had nothing to do with the keys themselves. Once the receiver was replaced, everything functioned normally again.

The dealer should be able to determine the exact issue with as they said 'a diagnostic test'

Please, let us know how this turns out.

 

No.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Are you sure the new battery is in correctly? With buttons down (+) goes up (into the cover).

 

Dealer confirmed they're in correctly, but thanks for the suggestion.

 

I'm having similar problems. Sometimes the door will open when I push the button on the door handle, sometimes it will not, but if I push the unlock button on my fob, the door will unlock.
Twice now, I have had the fob in the car, but when I push the start button, the red no key light comes on. The care will start if I put the fob in the slot.
The dealership checked my fobs and said they had a proper charge.
I am also interested in whatever resolution was obtained.
I have an 09 MCS

 

Sorry I didn't post this earlier. Dealer replaced the rear view mirror, that houses the convenience package mechanism, under warranty, and everything is working properly now.

 

On CA cars the batteries are NOT rechargeables they do need replacing every once in a while.

Try that first I would not trust any dealership with that.

As for the door buttons. The way the system works is that the computer poles different items in a round robin fashion. If you catch the sytem just after it poles the door switch it can take longer than at ohter times when you catch it just before the door switch pole. Ifind a lot of time i have to hold the door switch longer than I would think it have to but it works every time.

With you comment of the car not seeing the fob in side the car their are only three real solutions. 1. CA reader in the car is malfunctioning at times (like imamsteve710), 2. batteries in fob are low/bad, 3 fob is bad and needs to be replaced.

I would try the batteries first.