FIX: Key fob won't lock/unlock.
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 4
From: Toronto, ON
FIX: Key fob won't lock/unlock.
Yesterday while walking back to my car in the rain my doors wouldn't unlock, even as I was right next to the car. Didn't want to get any wetter, so I put the key in the lock and jumped in.
Sat in the car pushing buttons nothing worked.
Got home searched NAM, no info.
Googled it, came across some random answers site, and got this weird voodoo fix:
1. Get in the car, close the door, unlock the car with the toggle on the center console.
2. Insert key into ignition, turn it all the way so that all the dash lights come on, and then turn it off (don't remove the key) do this on and off, 4 times.
3. Immediately remove the key, hold down the unlock button (on the remote) and press the lock button (also on the remote) 3 times. On the third press of the lock, release the lock and the unlock button together.
You'll hear the car try to unlock each door, and then lock the whole car.
*This is for 2005-2008 R50/52/53. For all 2002-2004 models you only have to do step 2 once.
This actually worked. When I read it I was like "yea right... bs" but I couldn't find anything short of replacing the locks or BCM, or a trip to the dealer, so I tried it and my jaw dropped.
I don't know what caused my key to stop working, and I don't know why this is the fix for it. Maybe someone knows.
Sat in the car pushing buttons nothing worked.
Got home searched NAM, no info.
Googled it, came across some random answers site, and got this weird voodoo fix:
1. Get in the car, close the door, unlock the car with the toggle on the center console.
2. Insert key into ignition, turn it all the way so that all the dash lights come on, and then turn it off (don't remove the key) do this on and off, 4 times.
3. Immediately remove the key, hold down the unlock button (on the remote) and press the lock button (also on the remote) 3 times. On the third press of the lock, release the lock and the unlock button together.
You'll hear the car try to unlock each door, and then lock the whole car.
*This is for 2005-2008 R50/52/53. For all 2002-2004 models you only have to do step 2 once.
This actually worked. When I read it I was like "yea right... bs" but I couldn't find anything short of replacing the locks or BCM, or a trip to the dealer, so I tried it and my jaw dropped.
I don't know what caused my key to stop working, and I don't know why this is the fix for it. Maybe someone knows.
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 4
From: Toronto, ON
Nope, haven't done anything new to the car since fall. except change to winter rims, and then to summer rims 2 weeks ago. At first I thought all the rain leaked in somewhere and shorted something out.
Also our remotes have an internal battery that is charged while it is in the ignition.
Also our remotes have an internal battery that is charged while it is in the ignition.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 667
Likes: 31
From: West Seattle
To ID your key, is it shaped like a "clamshell" or is it much flatter on both sides? The "clamshell" type keys were used in '02-'04 models I believe and have two buttons. They have a replaceable CR2032 battery. It can be taken out for up to 5 minutes (reportedly) but best practice is to swap out the battery as quickly as you can.
The flatter remote keys apparently have a rechargeable battery that supposedly doesn't need changing as it is soldered in, I believe.
Val
The flatter remote keys apparently have a rechargeable battery that supposedly doesn't need changing as it is soldered in, I believe.
Val
Darn..I switched out my rear view mirror and have not had much success "pairing" my keys with the new module. Was hoping this sequence would work but I tried it a few times with no luck as well as a couple of other sequences I have found online. The search continues....
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Nope, haven't done anything new to the car since fall. except change to winter rims, and then to summer rims 2 weeks ago. At first I thought all the rain leaked in somewhere and shorted something out.
Also our remotes have an internal battery that is charged while it is in the ignition.
Also our remotes have an internal battery that is charged while it is in the ignition.
The earlier models 02-04 require a one hour programing sequence you can only get frm MINI. ( an added cost to a key ) The later models like yours have a programing sequence you must perform before the buttons work. IMO your key needed some of that programing due to low batteries preventing the lock/unlock you experienced. They may work for a while now, but at some point will probably happen again.
New keys are appx $150.00. You need only provide copy of your drivers license and registration (names on both documents have to match ) to your local MINI dealer along with payment up front. ( images can be done by email or fax - if faxed set your machine to photo setting ! )
Keys typically arrive at the parts department next morning if the order and all documents were received by 3-3:30 pm week days.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Same exact problem, except my Cooper is an 09
Hey there guys, I have the same problem that my key fob will not lock/unlock the car. Any fixes for an 09 Cooper without coughing up $244 for a new key and 125 to reprogram each key on the car. I have replaced the battery and it worked for one day.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 132
Likes: 6
Good to know. I only got one fob with my MINI, called the dealer and they wanted $350 for the key and fob plus one hour of labor; out the door I was looking at $500 bucks for a new key!
I don't think there is anyway to get around the price, I don't think this will work for new keys. Anyone know? I may just get the spare non fob key for $65.00.
I don't think there is anyway to get around the price, I don't think this will work for new keys. Anyone know? I may just get the spare non fob key for $65.00.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Good to know. I only got one fob with my MINI, called the dealer and they wanted $350 for the key and fob plus one hour of labor; out the door I was looking at $500 bucks for a new key!
I don't think there is anyway to get around the price, I don't think this will work for new keys. Anyone know? I may just get the spare non fob key for $65.00.
I don't think there is anyway to get around the price, I don't think this will work for new keys. Anyone know? I may just get the spare non fob key for $65.00.
If the car is stored for an extended period, can the key be charged in the 1st position (not #2 "Run")? How long does it take to charge the internal battery?
Your MINI is about to the age where owners are buying new keys. The 05 and up 1st Gen models have a built in battery which is trickle charged when in the ignition. I recommend these owners swap between keys every month or so to keep them at peak charging for longevity.
The earlier models 02-04 require a one hour programing sequence you can only get frm MINI. ( an added cost to a key ) The later models like yours have a programing sequence you must perform before the buttons work. IMO your key needed some of that programing due to low batteries preventing the lock/unlock you experienced. They may work for a while now, but at some point will probably happen again.
New keys are appx $150.00. You need only provide copy of your drivers license and registration (names on both documents have to match ) to your local MINI dealer along with payment up front. ( images can be done by email or fax - if faxed set your machine to photo setting ! )
Keys typically arrive at the parts department next morning if the order and all documents were received by 3-3:30 pm week days.
The earlier models 02-04 require a one hour programing sequence you can only get frm MINI. ( an added cost to a key ) The later models like yours have a programing sequence you must perform before the buttons work. IMO your key needed some of that programing due to low batteries preventing the lock/unlock you experienced. They may work for a while now, but at some point will probably happen again.
New keys are appx $150.00. You need only provide copy of your drivers license and registration (names on both documents have to match ) to your local MINI dealer along with payment up front. ( images can be done by email or fax - if faxed set your machine to photo setting ! )
Keys typically arrive at the parts department next morning if the order and all documents were received by 3-3:30 pm week days.
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: SoCal, USA
I have had the same problem in my 08
I figure my CPU is the cause in my case and that reprogramming should work although I have not done it.
I don't know if you guys are having the same problem as me, but sometimes my fob works and sometimes it doesn't. When it does work my settings when I turned my car off the last time it worked are saved. Like whether I was listening to radio or cd, or whether the AC was on.
When my fob doesn't work it diverts to the settings that I was running when i last used my car without opening with the fob.
In other words my car has multiple personalities.
Has to be CPU right?
So if there would be no other reason why your fob isn't working, i think it is likely in need of reprogramming.
I figure my CPU is the cause in my case and that reprogramming should work although I have not done it.
I don't know if you guys are having the same problem as me, but sometimes my fob works and sometimes it doesn't. When it does work my settings when I turned my car off the last time it worked are saved. Like whether I was listening to radio or cd, or whether the AC was on.
When my fob doesn't work it diverts to the settings that I was running when i last used my car without opening with the fob.
In other words my car has multiple personalities.
Has to be CPU right?
So if there would be no other reason why your fob isn't working, i think it is likely in need of reprogramming.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Iceland
I have the same problem with my car. I disconnected the battery and after that both keys stopped working. Its a 2005 Mini R53 and I dont know what to do. I have tried to reprogram them but no luck. Before I did the unplug all worked fine.Any ideas?
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I just had my key stop working last night. Tried the reset procedure turning the key 4 times and everything went back to normal. If you did nothing besides disconnecting the battery cable, this fix should work.
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Yesterday while walking back to my car in the rain my doors wouldn't unlock, even as I was right next to the car. Didn't want to get any wetter, so I put the key in the lock and jumped in.
Sat in the car pushing buttons nothing worked.
Got home searched NAM, no info.
Googled it, came across some random answers site, and got this weird voodoo fix:
1. Get in the car, close the door, unlock the car with the toggle on the center console.
2. Insert key into ignition, turn it all the way so that all the dash lights come on, and then turn it off (don't remove the key) do this on and off, 4 times.
3. Immediately remove the key, hold down the unlock button (on the remote) and press the lock button (also on the remote) 3 times. On the third press of the lock, release the lock and the unlock button together.
You'll hear the car try to unlock each door, and then lock the whole car.
*This is for 2005-2008 R50/52/53. For all 2002-2004 models you only have to do step 2 once.
This actually worked. When I read it I was like "yea right... bs" but I couldn't find anything short of replacing the locks or BCM, or a trip to the dealer, so I tried it and my jaw dropped.
I don't know what caused my key to stop working, and I don't know why this is the fix for it. Maybe someone knows.
Sat in the car pushing buttons nothing worked.
Got home searched NAM, no info.
Googled it, came across some random answers site, and got this weird voodoo fix:
1. Get in the car, close the door, unlock the car with the toggle on the center console.
2. Insert key into ignition, turn it all the way so that all the dash lights come on, and then turn it off (don't remove the key) do this on and off, 4 times.
3. Immediately remove the key, hold down the unlock button (on the remote) and press the lock button (also on the remote) 3 times. On the third press of the lock, release the lock and the unlock button together.
You'll hear the car try to unlock each door, and then lock the whole car.
*This is for 2005-2008 R50/52/53. For all 2002-2004 models you only have to do step 2 once.
This actually worked. When I read it I was like "yea right... bs" but I couldn't find anything short of replacing the locks or BCM, or a trip to the dealer, so I tried it and my jaw dropped.
I don't know what caused my key to stop working, and I don't know why this is the fix for it. Maybe someone knows.
Canada, 2007 Mini S convertible....had to get a new battery for the car and noticed a few days later that my key fob stopped working completely. Did the above procedure and worked like a charm...problem fixed compketely.
Neutral
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
This is magic thank you
Thank you so much!
Yesterday while walking back to my car in the rain my doors wouldn't unlock, even as I was right next to the car. Didn't want to get any wetter, so I put the key in the lock and jumped in.
Sat in the car pushing buttons nothing worked.
Got home searched NAM, no info.
Googled it, came across some random answers site, and got this weird voodoo fix:
1. Get in the car, close the door, unlock the car with the toggle on the center console.
2. Insert key into ignition, turn it all the way so that all the dash lights come on, and then turn it off (don't remove the key) do this on and off, 4 times.
3. Immediately remove the key, hold down the unlock button (on the remote) and press the lock button (also on the remote) 3 times. On the third press of the lock, release the lock and the unlock button together.
You'll hear the car try to unlock each door, and then lock the whole car.
*This is for 2005-2008 R50/52/53. For all 2002-2004 models you only have to do step 2 once.
This actually worked. When I read it I was like "yea right... bs" but I couldn't find anything short of replacing the locks or BCM, or a trip to the dealer, so I tried it and my jaw dropped.
I don't know what caused my key to stop working, and I don't know why this is the fix for it. Maybe someone knows.
Sat in the car pushing buttons nothing worked.
Got home searched NAM, no info.
Googled it, came across some random answers site, and got this weird voodoo fix:
1. Get in the car, close the door, unlock the car with the toggle on the center console.
2. Insert key into ignition, turn it all the way so that all the dash lights come on, and then turn it off (don't remove the key) do this on and off, 4 times.
3. Immediately remove the key, hold down the unlock button (on the remote) and press the lock button (also on the remote) 3 times. On the third press of the lock, release the lock and the unlock button together.
You'll hear the car try to unlock each door, and then lock the whole car.
*This is for 2005-2008 R50/52/53. For all 2002-2004 models you only have to do step 2 once.
This actually worked. When I read it I was like "yea right... bs" but I couldn't find anything short of replacing the locks or BCM, or a trip to the dealer, so I tried it and my jaw dropped.
I don't know what caused my key to stop working, and I don't know why this is the fix for it. Maybe someone knows.
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