I have a 2003 Mini Cooper that has started chiming when I open my driver's side door, whether my key is in the ignition or not.
I also am not able to lock the doors with the remote.
I believe the key sensor in the ignition might not be signaling that my key has been removed from the ignition.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas of how I could fix this?
Thanks!

 

Moving you to the Stock Problems/Issues area.

Have you done any searching here or on Google (they usually send you back here) about the matter?

 

Yep- looked around for quite a awhile. Couldn’t find anything on here about the Mini not sensing the key has been removed, which might stop the chimes and allow the door to lock... any help would be appreciated!

 

It's very possible the ignition switch is bad as we have seen many of them fail.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/igniti...0-r52-r53.html

 

Is there a sensor in the lock cylinder? Perhaps I could just disconnect the sensor?
Any ideas?

 

I agree with WMW it is likely a failed ignition switch. I seriously doubt you can out fox it and still able to start the car.

 

I replaced the ignition switch. No change.
I also replaced both door lock actuators (the only fault codes that were present on my Mini).
Still no dice.
Further information - if I disconnect the battery briefly I am able to lock / unlock the doors with the remote and the door does not chime when I open it. Once the key is put in the ignition and switched to the "on" position it happens again (door chime, unable to lock doors, etc...)
Any more ideas?

 

* Bump *

 

There was a recent thread on gremlins. The question for the pros is does the key/chime signals originate from the BCM or the Kombi module.

 

I can be wrong here. You do have a point. While the more critical functions of engine management, instrumentations are not handled by BCM, key chime and door ajar reminders type secondary connivence features are likely all handle by the BCM.

Does it has sunroof, and parked outdoors? Not being able to lock a door with remote also increase the likelihood of water intrusion that damaged the BCM. The wiring harness and connectors in our Mini's are excellent, but corrosion from water can cause problems.

 

 

Me think your driver side door or any other doors closed switch may be faulty. You have been barking up the wrong trees. Have you check that?

 

I had a Honda S2000 that the door switch had a loose connection. PNW may have hit on something.

 

 

Hello Blackbearz. My 2003 exactly has the same problem. Surprisingly I had tried that battery removal temporary fix too...
I have not been able to lock my Mini for over a year now! I thought this might help: My Mini did not have this problem, until it sat for one winter in the open parking and with the driver window open for about 1 cm, long story short in months my car was soaked with water inside and so much mold. When I tried to start the car, the key was not going in the ignition and I sprayed some electronic contact cleaner and finally got the key in and started the Mini but that door chime/remote problem started. From what you said and the history of my Mini problem I have concluded that this should be the ignition switch problem, If I get some time to open and clean the switch I will keep you updated. Thank you.

 

Found the problem!
It was corrosion at a junction in the wiring harness near the fuse box. There were like 40+ wires coming in / out of the junction. My shop removed the junction, and soldered the wires together. The only reason there was a junction there in the first place was for convenience during the assembly of the car's wiring harness.
It wasn't cheap (like $600) for a day and a half labor but everything now works perfectly!

 

Tell me it is not water intrusion or high moisture corrosion. Need more history and condition of the Mini.

 

Yep, probably water intrusion. I have a sunroof. No current issue but maybe befor I bought it?

 

Blackearz, I am glad you found out the problem and thank you for your post. Was that rusty junction close to the indoor fuse box or the one under the hood?

 

Interior. I'll post some pics of the junction / connector pieces pulled out at some point.

 

Hi Blackbearz,
Would you please post the pictures if it's not too much trouble?
Thank you.

 

I know this thread is old, but I have the exact same problem goin on! It’s driving me crazy. I’m going to check that junction you mentioned right now, along with any other nearby junctions/grounds/connections. Hopefully this solves my problem, I was actually coming here to find out where the chime speaker was so I could rip it out but I found this post. I’ll keep y’all updated!